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Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S4

Administrator

Jun 1, 2006

27

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I was recently in the market for a new Android phone and had my eye on the Galaxy S5. After a bit of research, I realized that the Galaxy S4 might suit me just fine. This particular video was very helpful and really does a great job of pinpointing the differences. For me, the biggest drop-off will be the camera. It also sounds as if the display is slightly improved. I find the larger Galaxy S5 is a negative for me. Coming from an iPhone 5s (which I'm still going to use), the Galaxy S4 is plenty big.

Still amazed over the deal I got from AT&T. I was able to score an off-contract, certified refurbished Galaxy S4 for $179. Really enjoying this phone. I picked up a Spigen Glas.t screen protector, ultra-thin air case and an aluminum button from eBay. Because of the thickness of the Glas.t, you need a button or the home button becomes recessed. The included jelly buttons are junk, but overall, I'm happy with aluminum. It's virtually impossible to align properly, which bugs me. Either I deal with the recessed button or deal with a slightly off-center button. For now, I'm keeping the button. Also picked up a 64GB microSD for good measure. All in, it was probably about $250 for a nicely outfitted Galaxy S4.

Seeing some lag from time to time. I'm guessing that's less of an issue with the faster processor on the S5. Also wish I had stock Android. I'm using Nova, but not a fan of the phone UI. I installed KitKat, so I don't believe there is root access yet.

Both are nice phones, the s4 at that price is simply unbelievable . I just bought the s5 for basically the ultra battery mode and the water resistance, but I know that's not a huge deal for many people.

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Gold

Sep 24, 2007

30

I love my note3 which has the larger screen. The s4 and 5 are usable screen sizes but I prefer the phablet sized note3. Zagg protective shield, pi holster case. The samsung UI is naked into everything. There are a number of neat things, but it certainly is different from stock which I had before. Hasn't gotten KitKat yet.

I don't see much benefits from switching my S4 to S5. I don't use my phone in the rain nor have I ever accidentally left it in the washing machine, so yeah, no water proofing is fine. Any significant differences in their system or configuration?

Moderator

Sep 23, 2008

87

Significant differences? No. A little faster processor, a little better camera, a little better battery, a better USB (3.0) and a few gimmicky add-ons like a fingerprint scanner and a heart rate sensor.

Moderator

You don't need to include the advertising link where you bought the clone.

By nature there are no perfect clones. They do not have access to genuine trade secrets and they do not use the same quality hardware because it would raise their prices.

Another issue that I have with clones is that often you will find pirated software and stolen designs. They pawn off their crap on consumers who should know better, but cannot help but be attracted by the looks and the prices.

Unfortunately there is a market for clones. All too often the consumers find out too late when hardware dies prematurely or just ceases to work properly. In some cases the clones being sold are simply "midnight overruns" which are shady manufacturers who stop the runs they are contracted for by a legitimate company, but they continue to run after-hours and off-the-books for their own benefit selling to shady dealers.

Moderator

They're both nice, I think I'm starting to get over my obsession though. Normally I just HAVE to have the newest thing, currently I kinda think all the phones I went through recently may have been a financial waste. This time last year I had an iPhone 5 and galaxy s4, now after many moves I have an iPhone 5s and galaxy s5.

The only thing making me want to upgrade at this point is a larger screen iPhone, that will probably be the next phone to name it past 12 months in my pocket (so far only the blackberry curve has made that milestone lol).

either way.... most of the phones coming out this year are marginally better, and by marginally I mean your average consumer won't be able to notice a significant difference.

They're both nice, I think I'm starting to get over my obsession though. Normally I just HAVE to have the newest thing, currently I kinda think all the phones I went through recently may have been a financial waste. This time last year I had an iPhone 5 and galaxy s4, now after many moves I have an iPhone 5s and galaxy s5.

The only thing making me want to upgrade at this point is a larger screen iPhone, that will probably be the next phone to name it past 12 months in my pocket (so far only the blackberry curve has made that milestone lol).

either way.... most of the phones coming out this year are marginally better, and by marginally I mean your average consumer won't be able to notice a significant difference.

Click to expand...

I feel like that too...and it really starts to hurt to pay so much money for these phones...I would really love to spend that money, if there would be some significant technical developments..

Moderator

Sep 23, 2008

87

Personally I have not understood the race to update over the last few years as everything seemed to be minor incremental updates. I suppose if one was interested in moving from manufacturer to manufacturer that could make sense, but even that moving from one Android to another makes me scratch my head because those moves are not cheap.

Perhaps my blasé attitude relates to the fact I have never paid for cell phones or service. The company has always provided, but I also have to understand they will not be moving from device to device and that has never been important to me.

I have other things I like to spend money on like home renovations and tools.....But that is me....

This is all agreed on, even with different brands - one might have a better front camera, but the other has some other special feature - one has half a bilion apps, the other a billion... as if all this makes any difference. I do enjoy to have a smartphone though, it's both fun and helpful, but those people that are being picky just have first world problems, I'd say.

I was recently in the market for a new Android phone and had my eye on the Galaxy S5. After a bit of research, I realized that the Galaxy S4 might suit me just fine. This particular video was very helpful and really does a great job of pinpointing the differences. For me, the biggest drop-off will be the camera. It also sounds as if the display is slightly improved. I find the larger Galaxy S5 is a negative for me. Coming from an iPhone 5s (which I'm still going to use), the Galaxy S4 is plenty big.

Still amazed over the deal I got from AT&T. I was able to score an off-contract, certified refurbished Galaxy S4 for $179. Really enjoying this phone. I picked up a Spigen Glas.t screen protector, ultra-thin air case and an aluminum button from eBay. Because of the thickness of the Glas.t, you need a button or the home button becomes recessed. The included jelly buttons are junk, but overall, I'm happy with aluminum. It's virtually impossible to align properly, which bugs me. Either I deal with the recessed button or deal with a slightly off-center button. For now, I'm keeping the button. Also picked up a 64GB microSD for good measure. All in, it was probably about $250 for a nicely outfitted Galaxy S4.

Seeing some lag from time to time. I'm guessing that's less of an issue with the faster processor on the S5. Also wish I had stock Android. I'm using Nova, but not a fan of the phone UI. I installed KitKat, so I don't believe there is root access yet.

I was recently in the market for a new Android phone and had my eye on the Galaxy S5. After a bit of research, I realized that the Galaxy S4 might suit me just fine. This particular video was very helpful and really does a great job of pinpointing the differences. For me, the biggest drop-off will be the camera. It also sounds as if the display is slightly improved. I find the larger Galaxy S5 is a negative for me. Coming from an iPhone 5s (which I'm still going to use), the Galaxy S4 is plenty big.

Still amazed over the deal I got from AT&T. I was able to score an off-contract, certified refurbished Galaxy S4 for $179. Really enjoying this phone. I picked up a Spigen Glas.t screen protector, ultra-thin air case and an aluminum button from eBay. Because of the thickness of the Glas.t, you need a button or the home button becomes recessed. The included jelly buttons are junk, but overall, I'm happy with aluminum. It's virtually impossible to align properly, which bugs me. Either I deal with the recessed button or deal with a slightly off-center button. For now, I'm keeping the button. Also picked up a 64GB microSD for good measure. All in, it was probably about $250 for a nicely outfitted Galaxy S4.

Seeing some lag from time to time. I'm guessing that's less of an issue with the faster processor on the S5. Also wish I had stock Android. I'm using Nova, but not a fan of the phone UI. I installed KitKat, so I don't believe there is root access yet.

Moderator

Off contract in that sense means the price was not contingent on locking yourself to a two year or three year phone service agreement with the seller. Here in the US phones were always locked to the carrier selling and an unlock code would have to be obtained/purchased in order to use the device with a different service provider. The lower price of buying a phone was offset by the carrier knowing you will spend much more over the term of a service contract month after month...